Originally uploaded by rsconnett
Red Garden (aka; "The things in my red garden)
8" x 10" Acrylic on masonite
This is #3 in my "UNDERWORLDS" series of paintings
Originally uploaded by rsconnett
(UNDERWORLD II) ~ ZOOOIDS (ZOO-OYDS)
12" x 12" Acrylic on canvas ~ 6/15/2009My second painting in the series "UNDERWORLD" , these are the 'ZOOOIDS' or 'ZOOIDS', (** see definitions below) Self-replicating organisms through means other than sex.
My creatures are based on living things called "Siphonophora". The illustrations I discovered are from the bio-drawings of Ernst Haeckel, (from the book; "ART FORMS IN NATURE") (Ernst Haeckel: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ernst_Haeckel) Sometimes I meander through this lovely book to get jolts of inspiration. (and also to enjoy, always that!)
I'm also currently working on #3 in the 'Underworld' series which I plan to title "FAUNA vs FLORA", or vise-versa.
Definitions of "ZOOIDS"
1. any organic body or cell capable of spontaneous movement and of an existence more or less apart from or independent of the parent organism.
2. any animal organism or individual capable of separate existence, and produced by fission, gemmation, or some method other than direct sexual reproduction.
3. any one of the recognizably distinct individuals or elements of a compound or colonial animallike organism, whether or not detached or detachable.
Originally uploaded by rsconnett
Acrylic on canvas - 24" x 24"
UNDERWORLD I is my first in a series of "UNDERWORLD" paintings. This is an evolution of my "CRUSTACEAPODS" and my "MICROBIA" paintings. This one is about 'insects', in case you did not notice that ;)
Originally uploaded by rsconnett
ACRYLIC ON WOOD COMPOSITE PANEL 16" X 20" (40.6 cm x 50.8 cm)
Completion date 3/25/2009A bone-yard is a graveyard, and represents death. We walk a path from birth to death starting the day we're born. Some walks are further than others. Some hardly get a few steps. None of our roads seem very long. Hardly long enough to understand the point of the walk.
This painting is self-allegory. Personal feelings at the time of painting it. It's depressing. It's a little scary. My life is full of death and dieing these past several years. Dieing people are all around me. In the past 33 months there have been three deaths of people close to me. Not good deaths. Horrible deaths.
Most deaths are horrible. Often, people don't know that. Especially when you are young, and not exposed to very much dieing, (if you are lucky) you think of death as happening in a nicer way than it usually happens. Either "crash and burn heroic death", or "die in your sleep with your loving family" death. Unfortunately, the reality as I've seen it is that death is appalling. The best death is a quick and unforeseen death. This sort of dieing is the rarest of the rare. Quick and unforeseen death hardly ever happens.
Cancer took two of these people who died in my sphere. This walker in my painting is pregnant with cancer. Cancer gets it's hooks into you and weaves itself inside you so densely that there's no way to cut it out without killing you. What could be more frightening than to realize you have cancer growing inside you? That thing on/in, and which is her belly is my metaphoric cancer creature.
The bones strewn upon the road are a metaphor for the dead hopes and dreams we leave behind us on our walk.
I have sacrificed many things I hold dear as I have ventured on my walk. The severed limbs also represent this for me. I have sacrificed and compromised on my walk many more times than I ever thought I would. Allegorically speaking, I'm headed to becoming a torso with four stumps. (ha! ha!)
The self immolation of the hand is also an analogy for the conscience decision to part with important ideals for the sake of "survival". It seems at odds to say one must sacrifice the things important in life to keep living it, yet this seems to be the norm. I can speak only for myself of course.
I feel myself becoming crippled. I'm deteriorating myself as I walk down this road. Death can be a slow process. A piece here, and a piece there, and some day there's nothing left. All these pieces are left on the road. The bone-yard road is strewn with the detritus of life's cast off ambitions.
Who are the fat cretins on the road,? They are me, of course. They are me as I see myself in a mirror; flaccid, enervated and unfit. Grotesque and ridiculous. Blemished hairy and stinking. A gross flesh-bag of putrified sludge. Ugly beyond redemption. I've got a fishbowl on my head because I am an alien.
Why is the city burning? The city of Los Angeles is always on fire. It is always hot and dry and smoking. The city terrorizes me. The people chill and disgust me. Los Angeles is a smoking poisonous horror. A monstrosity behind a mask. Dangerous, the hearts of it's citizens are filled with ignorance and malice. Fleeting superficial beauty under a poison cloud. LA is a mutant machine that runs on the blood and souls of men and women.
I live in a hideout in the hills, off a dirt road. I have posted hand painted signs of danger to drivers who mistakenly approach my dead end road; "DO NOT ENTER, YOU WILL GET STUCK! LOOSE GRAVEL! TURN BACK!" That keeps most people away. I am reluctant to leave my hideaway.
As long as that candle in the walkers head is alight, I am still me. I will keep walking.
NOTE: this painting will be shown at the upcoming group art exhibition; "SAY WHEN" at the "BOLD HYPE GALLERY" , April 4th Through May 10th, 2009 in Orlando Florida. For more info check out the website; www.boldhype.com
Originally uploaded by rsconnett
"I WANT TO BE A SPACESHIP #1"
8" x 10", Acrylic on wood panel, February 11, 2009The complete title: "I want to be a spaceship so I can fly the hell out of here!"
What I think about very often, and certainly something that inspired and influenced this work, is my daydreams of somehow escaping this life for a better, more fulfilling one. This is why I want to be a Spaceship.
Silly thought? True … Would I dream as much as I do if I were content with life as it is? Is contentment the object of life? Happiness? Or are we here to suffer and like it? These questions are examples of why religion was invented. Life is so disagreeable that people had to invent justifications for the savage conditions of survival. Thus, religions were born. Religion is slowly becoming obsolete. Too much science exists for many people to have faith in God and deities who control every flake of dandruff falling from our heads. The replacement is technology, and in effect, the computer chip is the new God. And when we become computers, (which we already are, "Bio-Computers") we will become like God.
What does this have to do with my painting? Not much, … well … except this; The only way I will ever actually become a spaceship is to augment my physical body with technology enough to sustain my life long enough to reach a time in which space travel exists. I can then transform myself into a spaceship using nanobot technology, or whatever else is invented. THEN, I could actually BE a spaceship and get the hell off this rock! However, by that time, I may find life pleasant enough, and find myself having power enough, (which is what I lack now, and one BIG reason I am dissatisfied) to be happy and satisfied with myself … because by then I would have reinvented myself AS God! … WOO-HOO!
So, this painting is indeed a little piece of a daydream. Symbolic, metaphorical, and allegorical of my dreams. You might say this is "my religion" This is my hope for an existence beyond this short life span. In my hopeful opinion, this can all be made real by extending this life rather than believing the dogma of an afterlife like that proposed in many religions.
These ideas are probably getting under the skins of those who still believe in Christ, Allah, Buddha or whatever God. However, I DO TOO!!! I'm hedging my bet! So please don't bother sending me any letters about how Jesus is the only thing that is going to save me because if he will, he already has! I am not atheistic, though perhaps I fall into the definition of agnostic. That is simply because I DO NOT KNOW. I can't seem to have "blind faith" in these things.
But who cares? I hope it's true that Jesus loves me because there sure aren't many others!
I know for sure is that I look into a mirror and see something that I have been led to believe is "me". What this "me" "is", IS what I am confused about. There are too many definitions that seem to be in conflict with one another. I am most certainly in the dark about what this mass of water, guts, blood, bone, goop and puss is doing blubbering and blundering around on this ball of dirt. What is the point? Just to consume living material and crap it out to feed a new generation of living material and eventually die myself and be eaten and decompose for the sake of ongoing living and dead existence only!? To continue to procreate and evolve for the sake of evolution and existence?
Well, I don't know, and this is getting boring so THANK GOD I can dream! So far, that seems the most worthwhile thing I do … Just keep dreaming.
More soon - RSC - 2/11/2009
Originally uploaded by rsconnett
Acrylic on canvas, 18 x 24" completed January, 2009
This is a long overdue commissioned painting. Actually, it's for a friend of mine who asked me to paint his idea back in 2006. This idea is (loosely) "Don Quixote meets 'his' Chimera".
I've come up with my own "CHIMERA". I've always envisioned a "Chimera" as ones personal demon. That "Bug-a-Boo" that creeps, a hallucinogenic monster. The thing that lays in wait in our minds shadows. It's not the typical representation of the beast with several heads. That was never right for me. I recall reading "Les Miserables", Victor Hugo. In this book, possibly my favorite of all time, Hugo constantly refers to "The Chimeras of men" Meaning the fears that man manufactures. That which embodies fear and evil in his imagination is his "Chimera". Thus,to each man, his own Chimera exists as different and unique. ( "a horrible or unreal creature of the imagination; a vain or idle fancy: He is far different from the chimera your fears have made of him. A fanciful mental illusion or fabrication.")
Since Don Q's mission is to eternally seek and vanquish evil, (An impractical idealist bent on righting incorrigible wrongs), I thought it appropriate that Don Q would "meet" his "Chimera" on the roads he travels seeking the monsters in his imagination.
The faces in the rocks represent the dreams and hallucinations of the intrepid soldier Don Quixote. The precipice which leads down to the swirling waters filled with monsters and dead men betokens his decent into madness.
Originally uploaded by rsconnett
This is number #4 in my ongoing series of JC portraits **
8" x 10" Acrylic on wood panel, Jan. 2009
Since childhood I've been exposed to the image of Jesus Christ. Usually bloody, and nailed to a cross. I was told that we is the savior of mankind. I was also told he was the son of God, God himself, and many other conflicting things, including that he does not, and did not, exsist at all.
I have had a long and very serious relationship with this man. I have thought of him often for year upon year. Yet still, I don't know what he is, or if he is anything.
I have spent hours speaking with him, though even as I spoke, I did not know if I was talking to him or to myself. I have an idea that he did exist, yet also ideas that he was created by men to control man.
I think it is good what he, among others, represent, (usually). Something should stand for what we have come to believe is good and noble in us. I think that this is useful.
However, It seems to me that science disputes him. That even common sense dictates that the existence of he as a God is foolishness.
And yet, there is a burning desire in me that wants these "fairy tales" about goodness, and righteousness, and a everlasting soul living beyond this world to be true.
What a shame if all there is to us is this short and mostly superficial life of ours. What a disappointment.
In my home, and in my studio, I have many images of the Christ. Also, Buddha, and other persons said to be inspired from things beyond this short life span.
Even my own father, long dead, I relate to as if he were still alive. I carry on conversations with all of these people. Some would think me mad. And in a way, I must agree. Is it madness to believe in something that is logically and scientifically disputed? Is it mad to believe in magic and miracles? Is it crazy to think that there is anything more to us than this struggle we call our "life"?
If I were to live 1000 years I doubt I could be certain of the most simple question of anything pertaining to life beyond death. Jesus Christ is the symbol that represents all these questions to me.
** I used a picture from an old painting as my reference model. I found it through a google image search. I have no idea who the original artist was. I can't find that reference picture any more, so I do not know to whom to give credit. If anyone knows, I'd appreciate a heads up. Thanks. ~ RS - 1/2009
Originally uploaded by rsconnett
EVOLUTIONARIES
(Part of my 'TRANSHUMANISUM' series)10" X 10" - Acrylic on birch wood panel
Completed 12/09/2008 - Los Angeles
In the near future people will be able to decide how the evolve. Evolution will be taken from the hands of nature and we shall control what we become through science and technology. Breakthroughs such as nano technology and A.I., ( en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artificial_inteligence ) will enable us to transcend the slow pace of human evolution exponentially.
This may result in several and varied evolutionary variations. Some may choose to have extremely strong and large bodies like giant insects, while others may decide to become small and invisible like a floating energy. Nanobots, ( en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nanobots ) and utility fog, ( en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Utility_fog ) will make the physical world and many of it's laws absolute.
Until we are able to control ALL THINGS, (in which case it is conjectured that we have become god, and fulfilled human destiny) we will be limited in the changes we can make to ourselves. This could be an amazing period where we make ourselves into our own 'Art Forms' as different and varied as snowflakes.
In this possible world, People will transcend the physicality of eons of intelligence and physical evolution in an amazing short period of time, (see The Singularity, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Singularity).
There may be those who will rebel against what they see as "ungodly' modifications of the accepted human form, (see Luddites, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luddite).
Early adopters of modification and augmentation technologies may be termed "EVOLUTIONARIES".
~ RSC ~ 12/10/08
Originally uploaded by rsconnett
EMPATHICS, Acrylic on wood panel, 10 x 10" (25.4 cm. X 25.4 cm.)
November 2008, Los angelesThis painting, (and 3 others) will be shown and sold at this years "ART BASEL MIAMI" in Miami Florida December 4 - 7, ( www.artbaselmiamibeach.com/go/id/ss/ ) If you are interested in the purchase of this piece, please e-m to rsconnett@gmail.com
This painting illustrates some of my fancies about human communication in a higher age of human evolution. I dream of communicating "empathically" through technological enhancements to our abilities. Empathy is superior to telepathy, and certainly to verbal language. It is to communicate with emotion. This would be a grand language! There would be little chance of misunderstanding.
I've been reading about "Transhumanisum" … "A term often used as a synonym for "human enhancement". Also known as "Posthumanisum".
It is an international, intellectual and cultural movement supporting the use of science and technology to enhance human mental and physical abilities and aptitudes, and overcome what it regards as undesirable and unnecessary aspects of the human condition, such as disability, suffering, disease, aging, and involuntary death." (quoted from Wikipedia; en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transhumanism)
I've been concerned about death since I was a child. It's been a great motivator for me. Death is the greatest betrayal of life! Just when you begin to get good at it, you die!? Isn't that a bit of a "GYP"?
All through the history of mankind people have found ways to "make peace" with death. What choice have we? From the first historical records we find reference to death and "afterlife" Religions were invented (in part) to answer the question of the greatest human tragedy, our own death.
What could possibly be worse than death? Yes, life can become terrible in many ways, and one might welcome death under certain circumstances. I certainly agree with this. My father died a terrible death as a result of a more terrible state of life. So, I understand. However, when life is still vital. When we want our life to go on, to do more, it is indeed a tragedy beyond any other to die! This is premature death! And I believe most people die prematurely.
There are those who believe that life can be sustained in good health and sharp mentality through the use of technology. These are the Transhumanists. One whom I most admire is Ray Kurzweil. He has 'almost' convinced me that it will be possible to not only live longer, but to become much more than who we currently are. He belives we can transcend our own current biological state. And indeed, it is our duty to do so! It's a matter of evolve or die! It always has been. Now, it is up to us to take the next evolutionary step through our talents of invention. We can no longer rely of biological evolution to save our species.
The merging of human biology and human technology is the next step in human evolution. This is why the robots will not revolt; we WILL BE the robots!
In the same way that the first man invented a tool, or utilized energy (fire) to improve and extend his existence, we shall embrace and merge with technology as the next step in human evolution. It may be a bit late for me, (and that pisses me off!) but I continue on with a glimmer of hope. I have little hope for existence beyond the grave, though I keep an open mind to all things.
It would be wonderful to be free from the world we live in now, and enter a new phase of existence. I would live in a world where the only limitations are imagination.
In my own small way, this is the world which I do my utmost to live in now. It is not always so easy. Oft times the grim hands of reality swoop down to pluck me from my reveries. I spend my days toiling by the "sweat of my brow", being the accursed white Christian that I am :)
I highly recommend reading the books by Raymond Kurzweil, and about the man. Here are some links;
About Ray kurzweil: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raymond_Kurzweil
The Age of Intelligent Machines: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Age_of_Intelligent_Machines
The Singularity Is Near: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Singularity_Is_Near
By the way, Someone here described the "SINGULARITY" (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Technological_singularity ) to me, and I lost track of who this was. If you read this … Thank you very much! I have learned much and been much inspired!
Originally uploaded by rsconnett
Title: AFS #1, (Alternative Fuel Source) Acrylic on wood panel 10" x 10" (25.4 cm. X 25.4 cm.)
November 2008 - Los Angeles - Robert Steven ConnettWhat I was thinking about here is a visual analogy of the effects of technology, both known and yet to be invented, upon life forms.
These impictured ideas are part of an ongoing thread of thoughts I have concerning the inevitable "technological singularity". The technological singularity is a theoretical future point of unprecedented technological progress, caused in part by the ability of machines to improve themselves using artificial intelligence. (SEE: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Technological_singularity)
To my mind, there are several ways life on Earth could change after this event. My thoughts gravitate to these ideas, and I like to paint them. The only thing certain is that life will change radically and quickly. Much more evolution will take place in a very shot period of time than ever before in our knowledge. This will be technological rather than biological. However, impact on the biologicals will be almost as though it was the same.
It is predicted in Ray Kurzweil's book; "the age of spiritual machines" that this singularity event will occur sometime near the year 2025. (as I understand his time line of machine evolution, as he does not refer to this event by name)
At this time computers will be operating at several hundred times the power of a human brain. This time is an estimate of course, and I tell it here simply to illustrate that whenever this time will come … it will indeed come.
When it comes. When machines begin to perfect themselves in their own image and far better than any human can, it can only be assumed that they will predicate their evolution on the betterment of mankind. Further to that, a question arises, what will a machine's conception of what is the "betterment of mankind" be?
This small painting is simply my minds representation of what might come of a machines idea of how a life form might be bettered. I realize this does not really 'explain' the image. There is no explanation. It is art … and thus the explanation, if any, is in the mind of the viewer. I can only hope that I have struck common cords in the psyche of my fellow humans to pass on some idea similar to my own … which obviously, I can not adequately explain using the language of words.
This painting, (and 3 others) will be shown and sold at this years "ART BASEL MIAMI" in Miami Florida December 4 - 7, ( www.artbaselmiamibeach.com/go/id/ss/ ) If you are interested in the purchase of this piece, please e-m to rsconnett@gmail.com
